Defender Timmy Chandler ready to commit to US soccer team

Nearly two years after playing his first game for the US national team, defender Timmy Chandler is set to commit his future to the Americans rather than leave open the possibility of playing for Germany.

With regular right back Steve Cherundolo sidelined by a knee injury, Chandler appears likely to start Wednesday when the US opens the final round of World Cup qualifying at Honduras.

‘‘It’s a huge opportunity for Timmy,’’ US coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Monday after announcing his 24-man roster.

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A son of an American serviceman and German mother, Chandler, 22, made his US debut in March 2011 against Argentina and played in eight games that year, but all were exhibitions. He was not included in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup roster by then-coach Bob Bradley, who said he wanted to give Chandler time off following his first Bundesliga season.

Chandler turned down Klinsmann’s invitation for the US training camp last May ahead of the opening qualifiers of the semifinal round, saying he wasn’t ready to make a decision. He returned for the Nov. 14 exhibition at Russia and said he was fully committed to the US team.

‘‘Everybody has welcomed me with open arms and I am here to do my best for the national team,’’ Chandler said. ‘‘My dream is to represent the United States in a World Cup. This is a great team and I think we can do something special.’’

Klinsmann’s roster includes seven players from Major League Soccer who participated in the January training camp and appeared in last week’s 0-0 exhibition draw against Canada. Among them are Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler, and Brad Evans.

Forwards Juan Agudelo and Terrence Boyd were bypassed, as were midfielders Kyle Beckerman and Benny Feilhaber, formerly of the Revolution, and defenders Clarence Goodson and Oguchi Onyewu.

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